Both were good reasons to celebrate Knights football. But the end zone party during Friday night's Aquinas-Central game at Sirpilla Stadium not only included plenty of spirit, it served up spirits.

That's a definite no-no at a high school sporting event.

The Rev. Thomas Dyer, president and chief executive at Aquinas, acknowledged he made a mistake by allowing a booster group to bring and drink alcoholic beverages just beyond an end zone for a private party for about 30 people.

Dyer said he didn't know it was a violation of Ohio High School Athletic Association rules. The nonprofit OHSAA, which governs most high school sports in the state, does not allow alcohol to be served or consumed at the site of a contest, according to its general playing rules.

"I now know that's true," Dyer said. "What can I say?"

The Repository began inquiring about the party after one of its photographers snapped a picture during Friday's game.

Dyer said he contacted the Diocese of Youngstown Wednesday afternoon to notify them of what occurred at the game — won 35-14 by Aquinas. He said officials at the Diocese were to notify the OHSAA.

"We do hope they call us," said Tim Stried, director of information services at the OHSAA.

Dyer said the end zone party was held in a tent. Those invited had food, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. He said alcohol was not sold and it was not permitted outside of the tent.

"It was supposed to be like a tailgate party," Dyer said, adding the event was organized by the Knightliners, a booster group that has helped fund athletics at the school for more than two decades.

Stried said the OHSAA will investigate the incident. He said the Association could penalize the school, which could likely range from a reprimand letter to fines or worse, depending on facts of the case.